James Hopp

James Lee Hopp, 66, of 273 S. Lake Street, Rogers City,
died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015.

He was born Sept. 5, 1949 in Alpena. He is a 1967
graduate of Rogers City High School, attended Alpena Community
College, and graduated from Central Michigan University with a
bachelor’s degree in education, He took advanced studies at Marygrove
College, Michigan State University and The University of Michigan.
James, along with his brothers, worked for several years at Hopp’s
Standard Service, once operated by his father at Third & Erie Streets.

James taught history, English and journalism in the Rogers City High
School system for 31 years, retiring in 2005, He was advisor to the
yearbook staff during those years.

In 1988 he won an NBC National Teaching Award for excellence in
journalism education, and he was honored as Rogers City Teacher of the
Year in 1990,

He was an avid researcher and author of several books of the history of
Rogers City, including “Maidez! Tragedy at Sea” (the sinking of the Carl
D. Bradley),“ a later expanded edition of the Bradley and Cedarville
shipwrecks); “Echoes from the Sunrise Side,” “Execution 13” and
“Jewell by the Sweetwater Sea.” He collaborated on other books of history
about Rogers City.

James played on one of the first Litthe League Baseball teams in Rogers
City and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, As an enterprising photographer,
he enjoyed taking pictures of landscapes and nature. He loved Lake Huron
and one would find him daily cither walking or biking as far away as the
40 Mile Point Lighthouse. In addition, he was a big fan of the music of
The Beatles.

He was active in the Presque Isle County Historical Museum and was a
past member of the Rogers City Optimist Club.

He is survived by:
his parents, Carroll & Helen Hopp of Rogers City;
his brothers Jeffrey of Rogers City and Neil (Linda) of Mt. Pleasant;
sisters, Carole Ann of Rogers City and Christine of Gaylord;
several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Randolph, in 1983, and his
grandparents, Paul & Dora Hopp and Paul & Anna Mulka.

His family will host a celebration of James’ life on Saturday, Sept. 26 at
2 p.m, at the Beck Funeral Home, Rogers City. Visitation will commence
at | p.m,

Please, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the
Presque Isle District Library and/or the Presque Isle County Historical
Museum.